We just pulled off what is probably the biggest CS:GO transfer in recent memory. Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz — arguably the best and by far the most consistent player in the game — is joining the most legendary organization to grace the Counter-Strike scene. It’s a match made in heaven.

https://youtu.be/0eZL7Z5Hm7E

Nicolai needs no introduction, but here’s what the four-time major winner has to say about the future:

Escrito originalmente por Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz:

Leaving Astralis is tough, to say the least. The boys will always be like family to me, but this covid era has left me thinking a lot; where do I see myself when it all goes back to normal? I’ve lived in Sweden for some time now, speaking the language and I’m really hyped about this young and exciting NIP project. To join one of the most successful organizations, where so many legends have played, inspires me. Just see what LeBron James achieved with the Lakers for instance, and with the Major in Stockholm coming up; to bring that home to Sweden is my number one goal.

The NIP project has been gaining momentum lately with piece by piece falling into place. Coming off a solid run through ESL Pro League, we’re hungry and ready to get those trophies. It’s not unlike the early years of dev1ce’s career where Nicolai and his crew of talented Danes kept getting oh-so-close to the big wins. They finally started getting all the way after investing heavily in the mental aspect of the game, which is exactly what we’re doing at NIP with a performance team that’s working day and night with the guys.

Here's dev1ce again:

Escrito originalmente por Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz:

How NIP works with mental health was a huge factor in the decision. Everyone who has followed me through my career knows that I've experienced it all; from choking to winning. It’s true that winning a first tournament can light up the spark, and I’m confident that I can bring a lot of winning culture to this talented roster over time.

Nicolai joins us on a three-year contract, and you’ll get to see him soon enough at the upcoming Flashpoint 3 RMR tournament. The organization has worked tirelessly to pull this off on a tight timeline, and we are all having champagne at this very moment.

NIP COO Jonas Gundersen secured the deal:

Escrito originalmente por Jonas Gundersen:

Bringing in dev1ce is a huge testament to the work everyone around the club has been doing for the past years. We set out on a venture to rekindle the magic that NIP stands for and, in this day and age, that means transforming into a modern esports performance unit that can define new standards. Attracting and retaining the best talent in the game is at the core of that and dev1ce is one of the very best in the entire world. We’re here to stay and we are here to win championships. The hard work of reachoing our ambitions has only just begun.

As we welcome dev1ce, we’ll have to say goodbye to Tim “nawwk” Jonasson, who will be moved out of our active roster. Jonas continues:

Escrito originalmente por Jonas Gundersen:

When you get the chance to bring on a player like dev1ce, it's an opportunity you cannot pass on. Unfortunately in this case it means that we have to let go of nawwk, due to the roles clashing. Tim is an amazing guy who has been great for us; he has always worked hard and is an exceptionally talented player. I’m certain we will find him a new home right away and we wish him the best of luck in his future adventures.

Thank you, Tim.